I have a 2005 F250 Cab Chassis with the 7.3 powerstroke and want to tow a boat that weighs approximately 8800lbs.

The owners manual that comes with the truck states that if towing loads over 5000lbs and up to 9900lbs that a Ford approved Load Leveling Device must be used.

Can any one tell me if this is correct or if it is just a recommendation.

 

First off, you have a 7.3L in a 2005 truck? Is that a typo or for real?

 

Probably should of mentioned I am in Australia and that the F250's were fitted with 7.3's up until 2006.

 

Fords approved load leveling device?

Air bags?

 

Wow you aussie mates are lucky to still have had the 7.3 that long. As far as towing, I am sure you need a weight distributing hitch, sway bar system, and maybe some air bags to keep you level.

 

Wt. Distro hitch is what they mean. That is all. Make sure that boat trailer has brakes.

 

The owners guide say's a Ford approved Load Levelling Kit, to be precise.

Quote" The Ford Approved 3500kg(7700lb) Heavy Duty Towbar may be used to tow a trailer up to 2270kg(4994lb) Gross Trailer Weight using the 2270kg(4994lb) ball mount also supplied. For Gross Trailer Weight greater than 2270kg(4994lb), a Ford approved Load Levelling Kit must be used." End Quote.

It is a bit hard to understand but that is how it is written in the guide.

Also in the guide is a Maximum Towing Capacity table showing all the different models and for my model the rating is 6033kg(13272lb) with a 5th wheel and 4500kg(9900lb) conventional towing as long as a Load Levelling Kit is fitted.

I have an aftermarket Hayman Reese Towbar that is stamped with a SWL of 4500kg(9900lb) but I do not have a Load Levelling Kit.

I just thought that someone out there might of had some experience with these Load Levelling Kits and could tell me if they are in fact needed.

 

Yes weight distributing hitch is another name for the Load Levelling Kit.

So are you saying that they are needed to tow heavy loads and comply with the vehicle specifications and be covered by insurance if something was to go wrong?

 

I don't have the 7.3 in my 2005, but I have towed a 31' Boston Whaler (11k lbs) without any load leveling kit. It towed it very well, truck didn't squat excessively and sway was not an issue.

 

The idea is with a wt distr hitch, you are moving some of the wt over the front axle, creating a more stable towing platform. You also want to move some of that foward so you don't overload the reciever.

 

What transmission did those have in them?
JL

 

i would like to know also? do you think we could buy one have it shipped here and be legal???

 

I doubt it,but if they were equipped with the Torqshift,then there's a possibility that you could use the PCM from an Aussie truck and a Torqshift in an American 7.3L truck,or swap a 7.3L into a 2005-2007 truck.
JL

 

The factory V-5 hitch from Ford has a patheitc rating without a weight distribution hitch setup. On boats its extremely rare for me to see a WD setup being used. I would swap out the stock hitch with a class 5 frame hitch rated for a non WD load of at least 1200lb tongue and 12000lb weight. Several manufacturers like Putnam and Reese make them.

BTW I would like to see some pics of your truck if you have some.

 

My truck has a six speed manual gearbox, not sure about the transmission in the automatic.
There is a picture of the truck in my album.